As what several expected, series finale Maze Runner: The Death Cure topped the box office, with respectable (though unspectacular) numbers. The third installment of the trilogy pulled in $23.5 million ($6,205 per-venue average), off a little bit from the first two Maze Runner movies (which earned $30 and $32 million on their opening weekends). However, considering the two and a half year wait (mostly due to Dylan O'Brien's severe injury delaying production), that's not as big of a drop as what some might have feared. Ultimately, Death Cure opened not too far off from the final Divergent movie, Allegiant: ($29 million). As for overall reception, audiences gave it a "B+" CinemaScore, while the critical reception was mixed-to-negative (44% on Rotten Tomatoes). I don't know how this will play out in the U.S., but, early overseas numbers are fantastic. Death Cure opened to $63 million in most markets (it opened in a few last week), for a $102 million early worldwide total, with much more to go.Despite being knocked from the top spot, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle has continued to play astoundingly well over a month into its' release. The action blockbuster was off just 16% to $16.4 million, for a huge $338.1 million gross in six weeks of release. It continues to be huge overseas, with over $820 million earned worldwide. With Asia territories included, Jumanji could very well reach $1 billion before it ends. I am hoping to see the movie this week.
Meanwhile, jumping on the awards season train a little too late was western flick Hostiles. The Scott Cooper film did do solid business however in its' nationwide expansion, earning $10.2 million ($3,624 per-venue average). That was in line with studio expectations, but ahead of where analysts projected. Reviews were solid (72% on Rotten Tomatoes) while the CinemaScore was a "B". Mixed signals indicate a possible quick burn at the box office, but distributor Entertainment Studios acquired it for just $4 million. So, they should end up OK by the time all comes to a close here.Another Christmas holdover continues to show astounding holding power. The Greatest Showman spent a sixth-straight weekend in the Top 5, off just 11% to $9.5 million. The musical hit has earned a strong $126.5 million in 43 days, and looks likely to end up above $150 million by the time its' done. It's earned $100 million overseas also with China and Japan yet to open. With nominations for Best Picture and Best Actress, The Post was off just 25% to $8.9 million, for a very good $58.5 million gross since its' limited debut six weeks ago. The awards season contender looks like it will make its way to around $75-80 million by the time its' done.
Last weekend's two releases followed with relatively decent holds considering the crowded marketplace. 12 Strong was off 45% to $8.6 million, while Den of Thieves was off an identical 45% to $8.4 million. The true story war thriller has earned $29.8 million in 10 days, while the crime thriller has pulled in $28.5 million. Both films will likely fall a little harder next weekend with the Super Bowl being next Sunday.
Fresh off 13 Oscar nominations, The Shape of Water re-expanded into the Top 10 and earned an additional $5.7 million. Since its' limited debut nine weeks ago, the Guillermo del Toro fantasy has earned $37.7 million with more to come. Tying it for eighth place was a much different movie, family flick Paddington 2. The critically-acclaimed sequel was off just 30% in its third weekend, and has earned $32 million in 17 days. The film has one more weekend with families until Peter Rabbit opens, so look for a finish around $45 million.
Rounding out the Top 10 was a Bollywood import, Padmaavat, which pulled in a surprising $4.3 million from just 324 locations (a Top 10 best $13,188 per-venue average).
Bowing out of the Top 10 after six weekends, Star Wars: The Last Jedi was just a hair behind. The action blockbuster was off 36% to $4.18 million, for an undeniably superb $610.7 million pick-up in 49 days. The film passed $1.3 billion worldwide also. At this point, it looks likely Jedi will fall just short of passing The Avengers for 5th place on the all-time domestic chart. However, I don't think Disney is worried about that now.
That is about it. Next weekend is Super Bowl weekend, which means many will stay away from the movies on Sunday. The only nationwide release right now is horror flick Winchester, which may or may not earn decent business. It's sure to be a slow start to February, and I'll be here to track it down for you starting with the predictions post on Thursday. ;)
